Door frame assembly and door frame section thereof

ABSTRACT

A prefabricatd door jamb assembly adapted for installation in a rough door opening, said assembly including a top or head frame arrangement and two side frame arrangements which are connected at corresponding ends to opposite ends of the top frame arrangement by fastenerless miter joints, the latter comprising cooperating groove and spline means. Each of the frame arrangements includes a pair of elongated sections which have Lshaped cross-sections and which have cooperating longitudinal edges adapted to engage against one another so that together the pair of elongated sections displays a U-shaped cross-section. The two sections of each frame arrangement are connected together for movement between a first position such that the aforestated longitudinal edges engage one another and a second position such that the longitudinal edges are spaced-apart and parallel. Novel shims or frame anchors are provided to act as a stabilizer between the door opening and the frame arrangements.

UnitedStates Patent [191 Carmichael [451 May 7,1974

[ DOOR FRAME ASSEMBLY AND DOOR [73] Assignee: Doorcraft Inc.,Burlingame, Calif.

[22] Filed: Aug. 14, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 280,487

Primary Examiner-Alfred C. Perham Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Burton,Crandell & Polumbus [57] ABSTRACT A prefabricatddoor jamb assemblyadapted for installation in a rough door opening, said assemblyincluding a top or head frame arrangement and two side framearrangements which are connected at corresponding ends to opposite endsof the top frame arrangement by fastenerless miter joints, the lattercomprising cooperating groove and spline means. Each of the framearrangements includes a pair of elongated sections which have L-shapedcross-sections and which have cooperating longitudinal edges adapted toengage against one another so that together the pair of elongatedsections displays a U-shaped cross-section. The two sections of eachframe arrangement are connected together for movement between a firstposition such that the aforestated longitudinal edges engage one anotherand a second position such that the longitudinal edges are spaced-apartand parallel. Novel shims or frame anchors are provided to act as astabilizer between the door opening and the frame arrangements.

18 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTED I" 7 sun-1r 2 or 2 Fig.

// Y/ llllllllljlll/f DOOR FRAME ASSEMBLY AND DOOR FRAME SECTION THEREOFBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The presentinvention relates generally to door frame assemblies and moreparticularly to a prefabricated door frame assembly and door framesection or arrangement therefor.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art Heretofore, doors have been hung byshimming the door frame or jamb around a rough opening with, forexample, wooden shingles so that it is plumb and square and held tightlyin place, after which the door is cut to the plumbed door jamb. Thismethod has long since been found to be less than completelysatisfactory. For example, in addition to being time consuming,complicated and expensive, the wood shingles are no longer suitable forthe new advanced door frame assemblies of today. One reason for this isthat there is no access to the space between the jamb member and thestuds which define the rough opening when the door frame is positionedfor installation about the studs.

Many of the previous door frames were constructed with a single piecejamb member which limited the use of that product to the exact thicknessof the wall for which is was designed. Since wall thickness is quitevariable in both commercial and residential construction, the singlepiece jamb members had to be stocked in a variety of sizes which, ofcourse, is expensive and can easily lead to providing the wrong sizejamb member in the field.

Various attempts have been made to rectify the foregoing problems. Forexample, prefabricated door units comprising a unitary door and doorframe assembly have been used for years. The size and bulk of theseunits have caused much difficulty, especially during onsiteinstallation. On the other hand, the heretofore used split door jambarrangements, i.e., those arrangements including separate sectionspositionable on opposite sides of a stud, have been found to bedifficult to assemble in the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the foregoing difficienciesof the prior art as well as other difficiencies thereof, an object ofthe present invention is to provide a new and novel door frame assemblyand door frame section therefor.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improveddoor frame assembly which is uncomplicated in design and economical tomanufacture.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved door frame assembly which main, requires only three fullyassembled frame sections, i.e., two side frame sections and a head framesection.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a frame assemblyof the last-mentioned type wherein each of the frame sections areadjustable so as to fit about studs of varying wall thicknesses.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a door frameassembly of the last-mentioned type wherein each of said frame sectionsprovides new and improved means for imparting adjustability thereto.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a door frameassembly of the last-mentioned type including a novel means forconnecting the side frame sections to the head frame section.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a door frameassembly of the last-mentioned type wherein the connecting means includefastenerless miter joints.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a door frameassembly of the last-mentioned type wherein the miter joints aid inaligning the side frame sections perpendicular to the head jamb sectionand maintaining such alignment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel shim meansbetween the aforedescribed door frame assembly and a rough door openingthereby to act as stabilizers therebetween.

These and other objects and features of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following descriptions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the Drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a door frame assemblyconstructed in accordance with the present invention and illustrating adoor connectable thereto;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partially broken away perspective view of one ofthe frame sections utilized with the assembly of FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2 with the frame sections beingillustrated in an extended position;

FIG. 4 is a top view taken generally along line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a frontal view of two frame sections connected together by afastenerless miter joint constructed in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 77 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred interlocking frame anchorutilized with the door frame assembly of FIG. 1 and constructed inaccordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken generally along line 9-9 in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is directed to a new andnovel door frame assembly which, in the main, includes three framesections, i.e., two side sections and a head or top section. Each framesection is a preassembled unit for easy installation in the field.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, each of theframe sections is comprised of two elongated members which alone displayL-shaped cross-sections and which together display a U-shapedcross-section. The two elongated members are connected together andallowed to move towards and away from one another in a directionperpendicular to their respective longitudinal axes by a predeterminedamount without becoming disconnected from one another. In this manner,the two members of each frame section may be spread apart, if necessary,to fit about a stud member which defines a section of a rough dooropening. Hence, the frame section does not have to be custom designed inaccordance with the dimensions of a particular stud member. In addition,because the two elongated members making up to form each frame sectionremain engaged to one another during this adjustment procedure, mountingof the frame section to the stud member is greatly facilitated.

Another aspect of the present invention resides in the manner in whichthe two side frame sections are connected to the head section.Specifically, the top end of each side section is mitered, actuallyreversed mitered, so as to define a plane substantially perpendicularwith a respective mitered end of the head section so that when thesemitered and reverse mitered ends are assembled to one another, the sidesections extend in the same direction from opposite ends of the-headsection and perpendicular thereto.

As will be seen hereinafter, a groove and spline arrangement is providedin each of the cooperating mitered and reverse mitered ends so as toprovide a rigid joint or connection without the necessity of fastenermeans. In addition, the groove and spline arrangments aid in aligningaccurately the side frame section in a direction perpendicular to thehead section which is, of course, important for properly fitting thedoor frame assembly about a rough door opening. The reverse mitered endsof the side sections simplify installation of the joints.

The foregoing aspects of the present invention as well as other aspectsthereof will become apparent from the following. description of thedrawings, wherein like components are designated by likereferencenumerals throughout the various figures. Turning specifically to FIG. I,a door frame assembly constructed in accordance with the presentinvention is illustrated and generally designated by the referencenumeral 10. The assembly includes a first side or hinge frame sectionI2, a second side or strike frame section 14 and a top or head jambsection 16, which together form a frame assembly for a door 18.

As illustrated, hinge frame 12 displays a U-shaped cross-section so asto fit about a stud member (not shown) and has its top end mitered at 20and reverse mitered at 21, the top of the jamb portion of the hingeframe. The hinge frame 12 includes a longitudinally extending door stop22 which extends the entire length of the frame and which has its upperedge mitered at 24. Conventional butt hinges 26 are suitably fastened tothe hinge frame 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1, so as to cooperate with acomplementary hinge (not shown) on door 18. Strike frame 14 isessentially identical to hinge frame 12 and includes a mitered andreverse mitered top end 28 and 29, respectively, and door stop 30 (seeFIG. 4), the upper edge of which is mitered at 32. In like manner, heador top frame 16 is essentially identical to the hinge frame and includesa longitudinally extending door stop 34. However, both ends 36 and 38 ofthe head frame are mitered and both preferably have a groove, or slot,39 that receives a spline therein (see FIGS. 5 through 7, for moredetail, where spline 84 is received in groove 82). Both ends 40 and 42of door stop 34 are also mitered.

Turning to FIGS. 24, one of the frame sections, for example, strikeframe 14 is shown in detail. As illustrated, this frame 14 includes twoelongated members 44 and 46, which respectively display essentially L-shaped cross-sections and which together display essentially a U-shapedcross-section (see FIG. 4). Hence, longitudinal edges 48 of member 44are positioned in confronting relationship with longitudinal edges 50 ofmember 46.

In order that frame 14 may be made adjustable so as to fit stud membersof varying sizes, members 44 and 46 are movable between a first positionsuch that longitudinal edges 48 and 50 engage one another, asillustrated in FIG. 2, and a second position such that the longitudinaledges are spaced apart but parallel to one another, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4. This movement may be accomplished by utilizing, forexample, a plurality of spring elements 52. Each of these springelements 52 is positioned within a pair of axially aligned grooves 54and 56 respectively located in the inside surfaces of leg 58 of member44 and leg 60 of member 46. As shown, the grooves, which extend in adirection perpendicular to longitudinal edges 48 and 50, are preferablyof sufficient depth so as to receive entirely the spring elements 52. Inthis manner, the spring elements do not interfere with the front face ofa stud member. The spring elements are suitably fastened to legs 58 and60 by any conventional means such as screws 62.

By providing spring elements 52 in the frame members in the foregoingmanner, it should be readily apparent that the elongated member, such asmembers 44 and 46, are movable between the aforedescribed first andsecond portion, the spring elements biasing the members in the firstposition. In addition, the spring elements prevent said elongatedmembers from completely separating or disengaging from one anotherduring mounting of the frame about a stud.

As illustrated best in FIG. 3, door stop 30 is either mounted on or isan integral part of elongated member 46 and extends transversely beyondlongitudinal edges 48 and 50, even when the elongated members are intheir extended second position. Hence, if the members must be soextended to fit about a stud, this will not be visible to the eye.Further, the door stop cooperates with the spring elements to preventseparation of the elongated members of each member one from another suchas may occur when one of said elongated members is rotated about itslongitudinal axis while the other one of said elongated members remainsrelatively stationary with respect thereto.

The elongated members 44 and 46 may also be prevented from completelyseparating during expansion through the use of one and preferably atleast two pairs of flat or thin interlocking elements 64 and 66. The elements 64 may be used in conjunction with spring elements 54. Asillustrated best in FIG. 2, each of these interlocking elements 64 and66is L-shaped, one leg of which is substantially longer than the other.The longer leg of element 64 is positioned flatly against and suitablyfastened to the inside surface of leg 58 of member 44 and extendsperpendicular to and across longitudinal edges 48 and 50 such that theshort leg extends downwardly. In a similar fashion, interlocking element66 is positioned flatly against and suitably fastened to the insidesurface of leg 60 directly below element 64. Element 66 extendsperpendicular to and across edges 48 and 50 such that the shorter legextends upward and behind the shorter leg of element 64. Each of theshorter legs has a side edge disposed parallel with the longitudinalaxis of its attached section and one with the other.

When the elongated members 44 and 46 are moved to the aforestated secondposition, the interlocking elements move therewith until the side edgesof the shorter legs engage one another to prevent further movement asillustrated in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 1 two pairs of interlocking elements 64, 66 are shown; however,it will be noted that same are reversed, one with respect to the other,upon mounting thereof. For example, in the upper pair of interlockingelements it will be noted that the upper element 64 is securely attachedto the elongated member-44 while the upper element of the lower pair issecurely attached to elongated member 46. The purpose of thisarrangement is to prevent separation of the elongated members one fromthe other where one of said elongated members moves longitudinallyrelative to the other. It will be noted that the doorstep cooperateswith the interlocking elements to prevent separation of the elongatedmembers of each frame member one from the other also, to preventundesirable rotation of one of the elongated members of each framemember about its longitudinal axis relative to the other one of saidelongated members.

Turning to FIGS. 8 and 9, attention is directed to a preferredinterlocking arrangement 94 which is utilized in lieu of previouslydescribed interlocking elements 64 and 66. As illustrated in FIG. 8,arrangement 94 includes a first L-shaped member 96 having a longer leg98 and a shorter leg 100. The L-shaped member 96 is suitably fastened tothe inner surface of one of the L- shaped members of each frame sectionsuch as, for example, member 46 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) so that longer leg98 extends beyond and perpendicular to the longitudinal edges thereof.Arrangement 94 also includes a second L-shaped member 102 having alonger leg 104 and a shorter leg 106. Member 102 is suitably fastened tothe inner surface of the other of the L-shaped members of each framesection such as, for example, member 44 so that the longer leg 104 is inalignment with the longer leg 98 of member 96. As illustrated best inFIG. 9, longer leg 104 of member 102 includes a centrally located,longitudinally extending, raised section 108 which extends the length ofthe longer leg. With member 102 fastened to the L-shaped member in theaforedescribed manner, the raised section 108 and the adjacent innersurface of the L-shaped member define a pocket 110 therebetween.

The raised section 108 is designed so that pocket 110 will receivetherein the longer leg 98 of member 96 when the longitudinal edges ofthe L-shaped members making up the frame section come together. In thismanner, the L'shape'd members making up the frame section areinterlocked against relative longitudinal movement. It will be notedthat ease of interfitting by 98 within pocket 110 is accomplished byforming both leg 98 and pocket 110 slightly convergent, taken in adirection proceeding toward the free end of leg 98 and the inner end ofpocket 110.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description of strike frame 14also applies to hinge frame 12 and head frame 16. Hence, a descriptionillustrating the adjustability of these frames will not be necessary,reference being made to the description of frame 14.

Turning to FIGS. 5-7, attention is directed to a fastenerless miterjoint assembly which is designed in accordance with the presentinvention and which is provided to insure perfect register of andconnection between a side frame 72 and a top or head frame 74. Theseframes could be similar in adjustability and basic cross-section asthose frames illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3.

As illustrated best in FIG. 5, adjoining ends of side frame 72 and headframe 74 are mitered or beveled at, for example, approximately 45 angleswith respect to their longitudinal axes as designated by the referencenumerals 76 and 78, respectively. It should be noted,

however, that the top of the jamb portion 77 of side frame 72 is reversemitered, i.e., mitered perpendicularly to the mitered head frame which,as will become apparent below, simplifies installation of the miterjoint.

In accordance with the present invention, miter joint 70 includes, inthe mitered end 78, a slot or groove 82 which extends into top frame 74at an angle approximately perpendicular to the mitered surface (see FIG.

5) and which extends across its mitered surface substantially parallelwith the mitered surfaces upper and lower edges (see FIG. 7). I

As illustrated best in FIG. 5, when the two mitered ends engage oneanother as shown, the groove 82 is positioned in cooperating alignmentwith the reverse mitered surface 76. A rectangularly shaped spline 84,also comprising part of the miter joint and displaying a cross-sectionapproximately equal in shape and dimension to that of the groove and alength approximately equal to that of the groove and mitered surface 76together, is rigidly positioned within the groove. This serves a twofold purpose. Firstly, it securely connects the side frame to the headframe without the use of fasteners and secondly, it aids in aligning thetwo frames perpendicular to one another which, of course, is importantfor proper alignment about a rough door open- As illustrated in FIGS. 6and 7, where the frames are constructed in the manner set forth in FIGS.1 to '3, i.e., when they each include two adjustable sections ormembers, the grooves would preferably extend into both sections.

With miter joint 70 constructed in the foregoing manner and with frames12, I4, and 16 constructed in the foregoing manner, attention is nowdirected to the manner of assembling the frames. For purposes ofsimplicity it will be assumed that frames 12, 14 and 16 of FIG. Iinclude the fastenerless miter joints of FIGS. 5. Specifically, one ofthe frames, e.g., the head frame 16, is adjusted to fit about the top ofa rough door opening. Fastening means (not shown) may be desired ornecessary for fastening the head frame to the rough door opening. In anycase, the fact that the width of the door opening may vary in smalldegrees from one door opening to another, does not prevent properfitting of the frame.

After the top frame has been assembled to the door opening in theforegoing member, the two side frames 12 and 14 are adjusted to fitabout opposite sides of the rough opening simultaneously therewith, thesplines are positioned against reverse mitered ends of the side frames.Again, the side frames, like the head frame, may be suitably fastened tothe rough door opening.

To further secure the head frame, the present invention contemplates theuse of a flexible shim 90 (FIGS. 1 and 2) which are constructed ofdeformable plastic, rubber or other suitable compressible material. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, these shims 90 are positioned behind and againstboth ends of the head frame section between the latter and the roughdoor opening. In a preferred embodiment, the shims display sufficientrecoil to apply approximately seventy pounds or more of force at eachmiter joint, which is sufficient to insure tight fitting miter jointsduring the installation process. In addition, the shims minimize theeffect of tolerance variations along the height of the rough dooropening and thereby act as a stabilizer between the opening and frames.The side frames, on the other hand, may include frame anchors 92suitably fastened to the inside of the frames, see FIG. 1.

lt is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the exactembodiments of the door frame assemblies and door frame sectionsdescribed and shown which are merely by way of illustration and notlimitation, as various other forms and modifications will be apparent tothose skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. A door frame assembly adapted for installation in a rough dooropening, said assembly comprising:

a. a top frame member and two side frame members,

each of which includes i. a first elongated section having asubstantially L- shaped cross-section, and

ii. a second elongated section having an L-shaped cross-section;

b. a plurality of spring means connecting said first section of eachsaid frame members with the second section thereof so that onelongitudinal edge of one of said sec'tionsis movable between i. a firstbiased position against a longitudinal edge of the other section wherebysaid sections together display a substantially U-shaped crosssection andii. a second position spaced-apart from and substantially parallel withsaid second mentioned longitudinal edge; and

'. at least one pair of cooperating interlocking members respectivelyfastened to said first and second elongated sections and movable alongwith said sections between said first and second positions whereby saidinterlocking members interlock together when in said second position forpreventing further spaced-apart movement of said longitudinal edges.

2. A door frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein one end portion ofeach of said side frame members is reverse mitered and the opposite endsof said top frame member are mitered at an angle substantiallyperpendicular to the reverse mitered end portions of said side framemembers, each of said mitered ends of said top frame memberincluding agroove and spline adapted to fit tightly within said groove so as toalign the longitudinal axes of said side frame members in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said top framemember.

3. A door frame assembly according to claim 2 including a plurality ofshim members adapted for positioning between said top frame member andthe rough door opening, whereby said shim members act as stabilizersbetween said frame members and said opening.

4. A door frame assembly according to claim 1 wherein each of saidinterlockingmembers of said cooperating pair is L-shaped inconfiguration and has a pair of legs, each interlocking member has afirst leg thereof connected to a respective one of said elongatedsections so as to extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis thereof and a second leg extending toward the first leg of theother interlocking member, said second leg having a side edge disposedsubstantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of said elongatedsection and the side edge of said other interlocking member whereby saidparallel side edges engage each other when said elongated sections arein said spaced apart second position.

5. A door frame assembly adapted for installation in a rough dooropening comprising:

a. a top frame member and two side frame members,

each of which includes i. a first elongated section having asubstantially L- shaped' cross-section, and

ii. a second elongated section having a substantially L-shapedcross-section;

b. a plurality of spring means connecting said first section of each ofsaid frame members with the second section thereof so that onelongitudinal edge of one of said sections is movable between i. a firstposition against a longitudinal edge of the other section whereby saidsections together display a substantially U-shaped cross-section, and

ii. a second position spaced apart from and substantially parallel withsaid second mentioned longitudinal edge; and I at least one pair ofcooperating interlocking members respectively fastened to said first andsecond elongated sections and movable along with said sections betweensaid first and second positions whereby said interlocking members areengageable at least when in one of said positions.

6. A door frame assembly according to claim 5 wherein said door frameassembly also includes door stop means on one side of said assemblyoverlying the engageable longitudinal edges of said elongated sections.I

7. A door frame assembly according to claim 5 wherein one end of each ofsaid side frame members is mitered and the opposite ends of said topframe member are reverse mitered so as to be adapted for positioning inengagement with respective opposite mitered ends of said side framemember so that said top and side frame members fit contiguously aboutthe sides and top of the rough door opening, and wherein said door frameassembly also includes means for connecting said side frame members tothe opposite ends of said top frame member so as to align thelongitudinal axes of said side frame members in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said top framemember.

8. A door frame assembly according to claim 7 wherein saidlast-mentioned means includes cooperating grooves in the mitered ends ofsaid top frame members and splines adapted to fit tightly within saidcooperating grooves and against said reversed mitered end portions.

9. A door frame assembly adapted for installation in a rough dooropening, said assembly comprising:

a. an elongated top frame arrangement having a substantially U-shapedcross-section and mitered ends,

b. two elongated side frame arrangements each having a substantiallyU-shaped cross-section and a reverse mitered top portion, said reversemitered top end portions being adapted for positioning in engagementwith respective opposite mitered ends of said top frame arrangement sothat said side frame arrangements extend in the same direction from andperpendicular to said top frame arrangement when said mitered ends arepositioned in engagement with said reverse mitered end portions;'andmeans connecting said mitered ends with respective reverse mitered endportions for aligning said side frame arrangements perpendicular to saidtop frame arrangement.

10. A door frame assembly according to claim 9 wherein said connectingmeans includes cooperating grooves in said mitered ends and spline meansadapted to fit tightly within said grooves and against said reversemitered end portions.

11. A door frame assembly according to claim 10 wherein said cooperatinggrooves and spline means extend at approximately a forty-five degreeangle with respect to the longitudinal axes of said frame arrangements.

12. For use in a door frame assembly adapted for installation in a roughdoor opening, a door frame arrangement comprising:

a; a first elongated section having a substantially L- shapedcross-section;

b. a second elongated section having a substantially L-shapedcross-section; means connecting said first section with said secondsection so that one longitudinal edge of one of said sections is movablebetween a first position against a longitudinal edge of the othersection whereby said sections together display a substantially U-shapedcross-section and a second position spaced-apart from and substantiallyparallel with said second mentioned longitudinal edge whereby the doorframe arrangement is adapted to fit over a section of said rough dooropening; and d. door stop strip means attached to one of said elongatedsections and overlyingtheengageable longitudinal edges of said elongatedmembers so as to conceal said engageable longitudinal edges when saidone longitudinal edge of one of said sections is in said first positionand in said second position.

13. A door frame arrangement according to claim 12 wherein saidconnecting means includes a plurality of spring elements each of whichhas one end connected to said first elongated section and the other endis connected to said second elongated section, and at least one pair ofinterlocking members respectively fastened to said first and secondsections and movable along with said sections between said first andsecond positions, whereby said members are engageable at least one inone of said positions.

14. A door frame arrangement according to claim 13 wherein each of saidinterlocking members includes locking means whereby said interlockingmembers interlock together when in said second position for preventingfurther spaced-apart movement of said longitudinal edges.

15. A door frame arrangement according to claim 14 wherein each of saidinterlocking members of said cooperating pair is L-shaped inconfiguration and has a pair of legs, each interlocking member has afirst leg thereof connected to a respective one of said elongatedsections so as to extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis thereof and a second leg extending toward the first leg of theother interlocking member, said second leg having a side edge disposedsubstantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of said elongatedsection and the side edge of said other interlocking member whereby saidparallel side edges engage each other when said elongated sections arein said second position.

16. A door frame arrangement according to claim 12 wherein saidconnecting means includes at least one pair of interlocking members,said interlocking members including a first L-shaped member fastened tosaid first elongated section and having one leg extending substantiallyperpendicular to said longitudinal edges, said one leg including araised portion at its free end so as to define a pocket, saidinterlocking member further including a second L-shaped member fastenedto said second elongated section and having one leg extendingsubstantially perpendicular with said longitudinal edges and alignedwith said pocket whereby said leg of said second L-shaped member isdisposed within said pocket when said longitudinal edges move to saidfirst position and is at least partially withdrawn from said pocket whensaid longitudinal edges move to said second position.

17. A door frame assembly for installation in a rough door opening in awall wherein the wall thickness may fall within a given range ofthicknesses, comprising a top frame assembly and a pair of side frameassemblies, each of said assemblies comprising a pair of elongate framemembers of a generally L-shaped transverse cross-section disposed inopposed relationship to each other to cooperatively present an assemblyof a generally U-shaped transverse cross-section, a door stop strip onthe exterior side of said assembly overlying the adjacent longitudinaledges of said L-shaped members to conceal said edges, said strip beingfixedly secured to one of said members and slidably engageable with theother of said members to accommodate transverse shifting of saidmembersrelative to one another while maintaining said strip in overlyingconcealing relationship with both of said edges, cooperating pairedinterlocking plates fixedly mounted on the interior side of each of saidmembers and overlying said adjacent longitudinal edges, said platesbeing positioned to limit both longitudinal and transverse shiftingmovement of said L-shaped members relative to each other and to eachpaired plate member comprises a pair of flat L- shaped plates eachhaving a first leg fixedly secured to second legs of each pair of saidplates extending in opposite directions and being aligned with eachother transversely of said L-shaped members.

1. A door frame assembly adapted for installation in a rough dooropening, said assembly comprising: a. a top frame member and two sideframe members, each of which includes i. a first elongated sectionhaving a substantially L-shaped cross-section, and ii. a secondelongated section having an L-shaped crosssection; b. a plurality ofspring means connecting said first section of each said frame memberswith the second section thereof so that one longitudinal edge of one ofsaid sections is movable between i. a first biased position against alongitudinal edge of the other section whereby said sections togetherdisplay a substantially U-shaped cross-section and ii. a second positionspaced-apart from and substantially parallel with said second mentionedlongitudinal edge; and c. at least one pair of cooperating interlockingmembers respectively fastened to said first and second elongatedsections and movable along with said sections between said first andsecond positions whereby said interlocking members interlock togetHerwhen in said second position for preventing further spaced-apartmovement of said longitudinal edges.
 2. A door frame assembly accordingto claim 1 wherein one end portion of each of said side frame members isreverse mitered and the opposite ends of said top frame member aremitered at an angle substantially perpendicular to the reverse miteredend portions of said side frame members, each of said mitered ends ofsaid top frame member including a groove and spline adapted to fittightly within said groove so as to align the longitudinal axes of saidside frame members in a direction substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of said top frame member.
 3. A door frame assemblyaccording to claim 2 including a plurality of shim members adapted forpositioning between said top frame member and the rough door opening,whereby said shim members act as stabilizers between said frame membersand said opening.
 4. A door frame assembly according to claim 1 whereineach of said interlocking members of said cooperating pair is L-shapedin configuration and has a pair of legs, each interlocking member has afirst leg thereof connected to a respective one of said elongatedsections so as to extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis thereof and a second leg extending toward the first leg of theother interlocking member, said second leg having a side edge disposedsubstantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of said elongatedsection and the side edge of said other interlocking member whereby saidparallel side edges engage each other when said elongated sections arein said spaced apart second position.
 5. A door frame assembly adaptedfor installation in a rough door opening comprising: a. a top framemember and two side frame members, each of which includes i. a firstelongated section having a substantially L-shaped cross-section, and ii.a second elongated section having a substantially L-shapedcross-section; b. a plurality of spring means connecting said firstsection of each of said frame members with the second section thereof sothat one longitudinal edge of one of said sections is movable between i.a first position against a longitudinal edge of the other sectionwhereby said sections together display a substantially U-shapedcross-section, and ii. a second position spaced apart from andsubstantially parallel with said second mentioned longitudinal edge; andc. at least one pair of cooperating interlocking members respectivelyfastened to said first and second elongated sections and movable alongwith said sections between said first and second positions whereby saidinterlocking members are engageable at least when in one of saidpositions.
 6. A door frame assembly according to claim 5 wherein saiddoor frame assembly also includes door stop means on one side of saidassembly overlying the engageable longitudinal edges of said elongatedsections.
 7. A door frame assembly according to claim 5 wherein one endof each of said side frame members is mitered and the opposite ends ofsaid top frame member are reverse mitered so as to be adapted forpositioning in engagement with respective opposite mitered ends of saidside frame member so that said top and side frame members fitcontiguously about the sides and top of the rough door opening, andwherein said door frame assembly also includes means for connecting saidside frame members to the opposite ends of said top frame member so asto align the longitudinal axes of said side frame members in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said top framemember.
 8. A door frame assembly according to claim 7 wherein saidlast-mentioned means includes cooperating grooves in the mitered ends ofsaid top frame members and splines adapted to fit tightly within saidcooperating grooves and against said reversed mitered end portions.
 9. Adoor frame assembly adapted for installation in a rough Door opening,said assembly comprising: a. an elongated top frame arrangement having asubstantially U-shaped cross-section and mitered ends, b. two elongatedside frame arrangements each having a substantially U-shapedcross-section and a reverse mitered top portion, said reverse miteredtop end portions being adapted for positioning in engagement withrespective opposite mitered ends of said top frame arrangement so thatsaid side frame arrangements extend in the same direction from andperpendicular to said top frame arrangement when said mitered ends arepositioned in engagement with said reverse mitered end portions; and c.means connecting said mitered ends with respective reverse mitered endportions for aligning said side frame arrangements perpendicular to saidtop frame arrangement.
 10. A door frame assembly according to claim 9wherein said connecting means includes cooperating grooves in saidmitered ends and spline means adapted to fit tightly within said groovesand against said reverse mitered end portions.
 11. A door frame assemblyaccording to claim 10 wherein said cooperating grooves and spline meansextend at approximately a forty-five degree angle with respect to thelongitudinal axes of said frame arrangements.
 12. For use in a doorframe assembly adapted for installation in a rough door opening, a doorframe arrangement comprising: a. a first elongated section having asubstantially L-shaped cross-section; b. a second elongated sectionhaving a substantially L-shaped cross-section; c. means connecting saidfirst section with said second section so that one longitudinal edge ofone of said sections is movable between a first position against alongitudinal edge of the other section whereby said sections togetherdisplay a substantially U-shaped cross-section and a second positionspaced-apart from and substantially parallel with said second mentionedlongitudinal edge whereby the door frame arrangement is adapted to fitover a section of said rough door opening; and d. door stop strip meansattached to one of said elongated sections and overlying the engageablelongitudinal edges of said elongated members so as to conceal saidengageable longitudinal edges when said one longitudinal edge of one ofsaid sections is in said first position and in said second position. 13.A door frame arrangement according to claim 12 wherein said connectingmeans includes a plurality of spring elements each of which has one endconnected to said first elongated section and the other end is connectedto said second elongated section, and at least one pair of interlockingmembers respectively fastened to said first and second sections andmovable along with said sections between said first and secondpositions, whereby said members are engageable at least one in one ofsaid positions.
 14. A door frame arrangement according to claim 13wherein each of said interlocking members includes locking means wherebysaid interlocking members interlock together when in said secondposition for preventing further spaced-apart movement of saidlongitudinal edges.
 15. A door frame arrangement according to claim 14wherein each of said interlocking members of said cooperating pair isL-shaped in configuration and has a pair of legs, each interlockingmember has a first leg thereof connected to a respective one of saidelongated sections so as to extend substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis thereof and a second leg extending toward the firstleg of the other interlocking member, said second leg having a side edgedisposed substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of saidelongated section and the side edge of said other interlocking memberwhereby said parallel side edges engage each other when said elongatedsections are in said second position.
 16. A door frame arrangementaccording to claim 12 wherein said connecting means includes at leastone pair of inteRlocking members, said interlocking members including afirst L-shaped member fastened to said first elongated section andhaving one leg extending substantially perpendicular to saidlongitudinal edges, said one leg including a raised portion at its freeend so as to define a pocket, said interlocking member further includinga second L-shaped member fastened to said second elongated section andhaving one leg extending substantially perpendicular with saidlongitudinal edges and aligned with said pocket whereby said leg of saidsecond L-shaped member is disposed within said pocket when saidlongitudinal edges move to said first position and is at least partiallywithdrawn from said pocket when said longitudinal edges move to saidsecond position.
 17. A door frame assembly for installation in a roughdoor opening in a wall wherein the wall thickness may fall within agiven range of thicknesses, comprising a top frame assembly and a pairof side frame assemblies, each of said assemblies comprising a pair ofelongate frame members of a generally L-shaped transverse cross-sectiondisposed in opposed relationship to each other to cooperatively presentan assembly of a generally U-shaped transverse cross-section, a doorstop strip on the exterior side of said assembly overlying the adjacentlongitudinal edges of said L-shaped members to conceal said edges, saidstrip being fixedly secured to one of said members and slidablyengageable with the other of said members to accommodate transverseshifting of said members relative to one another while maintaining saidstrip in overlying concealing relationship with both of said edges,cooperating paired interlocking plates fixedly mounted on the interiorside of each of said members and overlying said adjacent longitudinaledges, said plates being positioned to limit both longitudinal andtransverse shifting movement of said L-shaped members relative to eachother and to prevent pivotal movement of said L-shaped members relativeto each other about axes parallel to said longitudinal edges.
 18. Thedoor frame assembly of claim 17 wherein each paired plate membercomprises a pair of flat L-shaped plates each having a first leg fixedlysecured to one of said members and projecting across said longitudinaledges in perpendicular relationship thereto, and a second leg on each ofsaid plates extending at right angles to and integral with said firstleg and slidably engageable with the other of said L-shaped members,said second legs of each pair of said plates extending in oppositedirections and being aligned with each other transversely of saidL-shaped members.